AGRICULTURE, LEADERSHIP, AND SUCCESS

BY: AARON ALEJANDRO TEXAS FFA FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

There is something special about being in the great outdoors. Open skies, trees, brush, ponds, lakes, fields of grain, hay, livestock, natural habitat, and wildlife. There is something different about the calm, insights, and experiences that come from nature. On the other hand, look around a city, what do we see? Buildings, bridges, streets, noises, and an atmosphere of hurry. We can learn much from both environments, but agriculture is where we learn the most about life, leadership, and success.

Lincoln Vision

Let’s look at the parallels between life, leadership, and success and how we can take lessons from agriculture. We can see the examples through a few essential filters: Vision, Seeds, Genetics, Work Ethic and Harvest.

Success in life is a pathway similar to the cultivation of food. Our country is blessed with three vital and renewable resources: youth, agriculture, and leadership. The FFA combines all three to form well-rounded leaders today who become dynamic influencers tomorrow. When we think about the homes, communities, state, and country we want, what are we planting, caring for, and nurturing? Let’s grow the future we want.

What do you see? Do you see an opportunity? Is it an open field with the potential for harvest? Is it a prospect for livestock production or wildlife management? Do you see an opportunity for personal growth or career success? Vision is an important component of effective leadership. A vision is defined as a clear, distinctive, and specific view of the future and is usually connected with strategic objectives. Effective leaders define vision and communicate it to foster enthusiasm and commitment throughout the organization. The ability to express a vision and inspire others differentiates a leader.

Seeds

Isn’t it amazing…what we plant is what grows. Where we plant those seeds is important too. We need to plant where we have the resources, access, and teamwork to accomplish the growth and harvest of our efforts. We have to clear the land, plant the seeds, weed when necessary, overcome challenges/adversities (weather, pest, disease, market forces, consumer demands), and harvest when the time is right. Success in life is much the same way. We have to plant the seeds of success we want. Nurture the opportunities we hope to render the greatest outcomes and capitalize on the opportunity when it presents itself.

Genetics

What does it take to raise champion animals? First, we have to assess our herd. What animals represent the genetics we want, and which must be culled? We then have to put the genetics we want in place to create the champion herd we desire. What happens next? It is a gestation period; it doesn’t just happen right away. You must care for the animals, feed them, water them, and nurture them. When babies are born, what must they do to be great? That’s right … nothing … it is in their DNA. Much like genetics, organizational culture, and core values become the “DNA” of a person’s life or organization. Be sure to establish the genetics to create positive work environments and positive attitudes to create positive results.

Work Ethic

Work ethic is the dedication and responsibility to understand the importance of getting the job done, even in tough times. People always ask me what separates young people in agriculture/FFA from their peers. My answer is always quick and the same, “In the world of agriculture, if we don’t do our jobs … something dies.” We have to be resilient and purposeful when accomplishing the tasks involved in agriculture. Success in life is the same way. You have to show up, put in the work, be resilient, look for best practices, find people to give you responsibility and hold you accountable, and be grateful for the opportunity and those who provided it.

Harvest

Raising a crop or livestock is rewarding, knowing your work will feed, clothe, shelter, or even heal others. Much like agriculture, a successful servant leader is empowering and encouraging to those around them. The harvest of success allows others to feel valued, appreciated and encouraged to strive for a goal of personal and professional excellence. Success is gained from the achievement of our goals but also from the happiness and satisfaction derived from pursuing those goals.

Agriculture, leadership, and success have much in common. They all require a focus on the future, hard work, positive attitudes, teamwork, and gratitude. We have to work hard to reach goals and achievement. Our country is blessed with abundant agriculture and agriculturists, young people with dreams and ambitions that will touch the future, and leadership development organizations like the FFA. Let’s go to work and grow the most incredible future for those who will follow in our footsteps.